WHP: Casper Man Led Officers on High-Speed Chase, Fired Handgun

A Casper man has been identified as the suspect who led officers on a high-speed chase Sunday night and was life-flighted after firing a gun at pursuing Wyoming Highway Patrol troopers.

Zachery Whiteman, 46, is listed as being in stable condition at Wyoming Medical Center after troopers performed a "tactical vehicle intervention" maneuver on Whiteman's vehicle, resulting in a crash and Whiteman being thrown from the vehicle.

According to Patrol Sgt. Kyle McKay, Whiteman was initially pursued by officers from the Mills Police Department at roughly 10:15 p.m. Sunday. Whiteman was driving a 2005 Chevrolet Avalanche and, after he continued onto U.S. 20-26, state troopers were called in and joined the chase.

Whiteman's vehicle crossed the centerline of the highway several times, with the Chevrolet veering into oncoming traffic and traveling from shoulder to shoulder. His driving, McKay says, was "so erratic and dangerous" that troopers decided to use their vehicles to stop Whiteman in order to protect other motorists.

The first attempt at a tactical vehicle intervention maneuver was unsuccessful. When troopers tried a second time, Whiteman allegedly fired a .40-caliber handgun at them.

Troopers did execute the maneuver on Whiteman's vehicle, causing him to lose control. His vehicle left the highway, rolling several times and ejecting Whiteman. He was life-flighted to Wyoming Medical Condition.

The Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation is handling the investigation.